Hospitality student served up a winner Archive for 2017

Release Date: 7 June 2016

Enrolling on a hospitality course at D&A College helped one young man turn his life around.

Dan Docherty at the prize-giving ceremony (Ron Cathro)

Dan Docherty was presented with two awards at D&A’s prize-giving ceremony on Tuesday, June 7, the Success Prize for Outstanding Commitment, sponsored by the sponsored by the specialist graduation photographers, and the Institute of Hospitality Award.

The 23-year-old hasn’t always enjoyed such success however, having to endure being homeless during his late teens.

“You could say I really drifted a bit between school and enrolling on NQ hospitality course,” said the student.

“I had too many ambitions without knowing what they would entail, like wanting to own my own record label or be a film-maker.

“I also discovered drink – far too young!”

Coming to college in 2013 helped instil the focus Dan needed and he quickly displayed a real flair for his chosen subject matching this talent with hard work – having started on the NQ programme, the Dundee resident has now gained HND hospitality management while being employed in the industry at the same time.

The former Grove Academy pupil currently holds a post as cocktail barman in the city’s Malmaison Hotel – a position he secured after working in a Michelin-starred hotel in France.

“I was fortunate to be chosen to do a work placement through the college thanks to links forged with renowned chef Albert Roux,” explained the student

“I worked for three months in Chateau de Montrueil – a Michelin-starred hotel on the French Atlantic coast.

“When Albert Roux visited the college and gave a talk to all the catering and hospitality students, he mentioned this hotel.

“A few months later the college organised work placements and there and I was – using the skills I had learned at Kingsway Campus in a top hotel in France.”

A total of 200 proud parents, family and friends gathered in the Gardyne Theatre at D&A College on to applaud more than 100 prize-winning students.

In a glittering ceremony – with 88 prizes up for grabs – Principal Grant Ritchie, along with sponsors from industry and commerce, presented the awards to the students.